Become a Lovely's Girl

Become a Lovely's Girl

Membership to the Lovely Girls Club is an all exclusive, limited seat, fan only VIP email list.

Yep, you read that right. Access IS limited.

Because this is simply not your average, ordinary ol' email that you'll want to instantly delete from your inbox every time my name pops up.

The offers I'll be sending out are so awesome, so valuable,

I can only afford to give them to my biggest fans.

I've got freebies, discounts, vouchers, giveaways and more - only for subscribers.

So if you're a repeat customer (or plan to be),

 if you're a super raving fan who loves ALL my stuff,

you'll want need to be on this list!

Join below, and be sure to look out for the instant email with instructions on what to do next.
And don't forget to keep me out of your spam box! Or you'll miss out on all the good stuff.

Join the Party!

Join the Party

* indicates required

First Name *

Last Name

Email Address *

Birthday

/ ( mm / dd )

Your Host

Shawnna

Read post

No comments

Weekly Freebies

Weekly Freebies

Join my Facebook group All The Lovely Gals for sweet weekly freebies!

My new group is an exclusive fan hangout where you'll get regular weekly freebies every Tuesday, exclusive discounts and giveaways not offered elsewhere.

Interact with other fans, ask questions, share your work, provide feedback on designs and have your say for upcoming products.


Hope to see you there!

Shawnna

Read post

No comments

Bulk Order Discount

Bulk Order Discount

Introducing the Bulk Order Discount at Lovelytocu!

Save 70% on any $100 order. With a combined shopping cart across all three of my shops, use the bulk order discount for purchases for any product at Lovelytocu, The Friendly Flamingo and Terrific Templates.

Just use coupon code Hello70 at checkout when your shopping cart totals $100 or more.

* All prices are in US dollars. Valid only on stock items, custom and access pass not included.

Shopping only at The Friendly Flamingo or Terrific Templates? All the products in these two stores are 50% off when you buy 2 or more items. Use coupon code B1G1 exclusively for your purchases here.


Happy Crafting

Shawnna

Read post

No comments

Image File Types

Image File Types

When you purchase art work online, whether for your website or blog, a digital craft project or to print out and use as a physical element it is handy to know and understand the file types that are being offered with your purchase.

The following is a list of the most common image file types and design file types offered with a digital art work purchase:

Common Image Types

JPEG - this is the default file format for photographs and is ideal for any image file with complex color gradients. JPG does not support transparency and if repeatedly edited and saved will be degraded in quality each time.

TIFF - used mainly in professional photography printing this file type is not widely supported by web browsers.  

PNG - used specifically for clip art as this file type offers transparency enabling images to be easily layered into design work.  Well supported by web browsers PNG files are lossless and often provide a sharper web image for illustrations containing simple color blocks than JPEG versions.  

SVG - there is a lot more to this file type than I will describe here, but the basics are that this image file is scalable, meaning you can resize without any resolution loss.  this is a popular file type for use with cutting machines like Cricut or Silhouette and more traditionally in web design.

DXF - this is a type of AutoCAD file and typically presents as a simple outline of a graphic. this is now commonly used by cutting machine users wanting to edit and personalize graphics in their cutting machine software.

Old School File Types

GIF - this file type has been around for a long while, suitable only for illustration images with few collars and simple design.  It allows animation with a low file size perfect for web applications.

BMP - created originally for Windows (think MS Paint) this file type doesn't support transparency but does provide nice sharp graphics.  Unfortunately the file size for BMP does not make them useful for web so they remain a print only file format when used.

Image as Document File

PDF - a file format that is used to present and share documents containing text or graphics independent of software, hardware or operating system. this offers a reliable way to present printable art work or design files. PDF files can be either fixed or editable depending on how they are designed and set up.

Software Specific Files

AI - Adobe Illustrator software files which can only be opened in software programs compatible with this file extension

PSD - Adobe Photoshop software files which can only be opened in software programs compatible with this file extension

EPS - typically created by Adobe Illustrator, the advantage of an EPS version is that it can be opened in other software programs aside from Adobe. however depending on which software you have used to open it with you may only be able to access the image preview.

Shawnna

Read post

No comments

How to Unzip Files

How to Unzip Files

So, what is a .zip folder anyway?  A ZIP file is basically a digital folder containing any number of documents or images that has been compressed into a format that is accepted for upload / download across the internet. (that’s the short version)

All of my own graphics are provided as digital downloads that will arrive to you in a ZIP file and so I’m often asked by first-timers or infrequent users on how to best go about opening such a file.

Hence this little tutorial!

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

If you’ve never come across a .zip file before and you’re not particularly techie minded it can be a little frustrating to deal with depending on which computer operating system you have and how downloads are automatically handled on your computer.  And of course, mobile devices offer a whole separate challenge!

All of the solutions provided here use the default software already included within your operating system, no need for special programs or purchased software, with the exception of mobile devices.

DESKTOP or LAPTOP COMPUTERS

Windows 7 thru 10
- Right-click on the Zip file and choose “Extract All”
- Choose a location for the folder to be extracted into
- Keep the "Show extracted files when complete" unchecked
- Click on "Extract" button to start the extraction
- This folder is now your working copy of the Zip file
- You may keep the Zip file or delete it
OR
- in your downloads folder, you'll find an Extract menu button on the top navigation bar
- click this and follow the prompts, in much the same way as above

Windows XP and Vista
- Double click on the zip folder
- In the window that opens, click on the “Extract all Files” link
- The “Extraction Wizard” will open, click “Next”
- Choose a destination for your unzipped folder
- Click “Finish” to complete the process
- This folder is now your working copy of the Zip file
- You may keep the Zip file or delete it

Mac
- double click on the zip file
- job done


Special Note: Where you download a zip file to on your computer can affect the ability to extract correctly or fully access the unzipped version.  Always make sure that you are downloading zip files to either a dedicated downloads folder, your main documents folder or directly to your desktop.  You may then move the folders to other locations as needed.  Some of my customers have had issues in particular with Microsoft Live Photo Gallery being the default location for ALL downloads.  This won’t work for .zip files!


MOBILE DEVICES

For mobile devices you will need to install an appropriate app in order to download and open .zip files.

iOS
Winzip is a free app and comes highly recommended by experts

- Once the app is installed you will have an option to “Open in Winzip”
- This will reveal the contents of the zipped folder
- Click “Open In” to choose where you wish to extract the zip folder contents to
- You should now be able to access the files in their new location
- Note that you won’t be able to open a file type if you do not have a corresponding app to, but all image files will open in the camera roll or photos app

Android
ZArchiver is a free app and comes highly recommended by experts

- Open ZArchiver and use the file manager to find the zip folder
- Click on the file when you find it
- Use the View option to see the files in the zip folder
- If needed you can extract a single file or extract all
- once extracted the files will be in your main folder for full access

Shawnna

Read post

No comments

Printing Printables

Printing Printables

Ever run into problems printing out some awesome free printable you found on Pinterest? Or maybe you purchased some gorgeous party printables on Etsy but they turned out a mess on your home printer?

Well I'm here to tell you that you are not alone! Even seasoned pros will run into frustrations with print quality or printing mess-ups. The real trick is in knowing what to do when these things happen. How do you solve your printing problem without a flood of tears or chucking your printer out the window?

Take a deep breath... here's what you need to know...


TOP TIPS FOR SOLVING PRINTER DILEMMAS

1.  Choose the right printer for the job.

Here's the truth, not all printers can handle any job. So if your printer isn't up to it, nothing else you do will get your print job to look perfect. Understanding and accepting this will save you a big headache.

Rule of thumb, inkjet printers are great for text documents and photos while laser jet printers work better for graphics and large color blocks. Because inkjet printers are generally cheaper, this is what most people tend to have at home, and they work just fine for most home applications. But you might struggle when printing certain types of graphics.

Solution: Who do you know who has a laser printer? Is there a printing service near you that you could use instead? If you need to print semi regularly it could be worth researching alternative options before investing in a brand new printer. Either a local option or an online option, whichever works best for you.

2. Know your printer.

This is something that the average printer owner never really does. Explore the printer dialogue box and get to know every possible setting option that you have available to you.

Does that sound daunting? This doesn't need to take long but it will save you sooooo much agro later if you understand that there ARE different setting options for your printer. Just get to know what your printer is capable of with a quick review, make a few cheat sheet notes if you need to, and when you go to print something double check that your print settings are correct for the job.

I'll be honest, off the top of my head I don't know all of my own printer setting options. But I do know that it has a variety of options available and I'll check through these when I go to print anything other than a document just to be sure I'm making the most of what my printer can do.

These are things like paper size and weight. Paper tray selection (specialty paper often feeds better from the manual tray). And ink or layout settings.

3.  Printing the correct size.

One of the most common print issues that I come across all the time are printables not coming out at the right size. This is actually quite simple to correct once you know what to look for.

Most printers will try to optimize your printed page for you through automatic settings. If your print job is too close to the paper edge it will automatically scale the print smaller. If it's really small on the page it might make it bigger.

But when you need your printable to print at an exact size as it's intended to be these default 'helpful' settings are really not that helpful at all!

Each printer will have this in the print dialogue box a little differently but you'll want to look for a setting that says "print actual size" or "print at 100%".  You want to select this option and make sure that any box that says "scale to fit" is UNchecked. That's it.

4.  Printing colors.

This is such a common complaint. And not restricted to the home printer or novice crafter!

The cold hard truth is colors look different from one device to another and when applied on different surfaces. Computers are backlit and with retina or 4K display colors will appear more vibrant than they will do on paper.

And even amongst print surfaces colors will look different on one surface type from another. Matte paper for example absorbs more ink that glossy paper, so the colors are going to brighter or more saturated on the glossier surface.

Each printer will also print a little differently. A little too much yellow and your blue is heading towards green, a little too much magenta and that same blue is sitting on the purple side of the fence. These tiny little differences in how each printer mixes the inks can create unexpected variances.

So what's the solution? Test printing.

If you have very specific requirements for color the best option is to test print everything first. Know that you'll need to experiment, make adjustments or try a different printer and you won't be nearly as frustrated. It's just a matter of accepting that color isn't consistent across all mediums.

Shawnna

Read post

No comments

How to Install Fonts

How to Install Fonts

When you purchase a computer there will already be a selection of fonts installed on that machine. However, while these included fonts are always tried and tested classics you may eventually have the need for something with a bit more flair.
Installing new fonts to your computer is super easy and something that you needn’t be daunted by.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Here are the steps for PC Desktop and Laptops:

1. first download your new font file folder, this will most likely be a zip file
2. unzip the font folder
3. right click on the font file and select install
4. that’s it, all done

For Mac users:

1. same as above, download and unzip the font folder
2. double click the font file and press install
3. done

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

While the process for downloading and installing fonts is easy-peasy, there are a few extra details about font files that you may care to know about.

Font files can come in 2 formats: .OTF (open type) or .TTF (true type)  So what are the differences?

It’s all about what kind of extra detail is included within the design of the font and the explanation gets a bit complicated, so as a beginner all you really need to know is that both file types work on either Mac or PC, and regardless of which format you’re given, it will work on your machine.

Different fonts you download will have one or the other file type in the folder and sometimes you will receive both options together. OTF files usually come with extra or alternate lettering options (something you might choose to learn about later) so otherwise just stick to the TTF file when there's a choice. But know that either way, you’ll be fine!

Another thing to look out for and know... some purchased fonts will come with a choice of ‘desktop’ fonts and ‘web’ fonts. Always install the desktop font file. The web font version is specifically for web designers.

Have errors during installation? Ensure you are clicking on the extracted font file (not the still zipped up folder file) or that you have administrator privileges on your machine.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Font terms of use: as with any artwork you download from the internet, fonts will have terms of use associated with them.  Many free fonts are for personal use only.  Some will allow commercial use with a donation and many fonts require the purchase of the font if you wish to use it commercially.

Always respect the creator's terms of use.  Artists work hard to earn a living and their generosity should not be taken advantage of. Plus you might get into trouble later.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

WHERE TO FIND FREE FONTS

DaFont - this popular site has a big collection of fonts and while a good many are for personal use only you can find some that allow commercial use

1001FreeFonts - a site very similar to above, both sharing a lot of the same fonts

FontSquirrel - a site that offers links to free fonts, all of which are available for commercial use

PremiumFreeFonts - the free section offered by FontBundles.net has an ever-changing selection of free fonts with a commercial use license, it's worthwhile to sign up for their newsletter as you will grow your font collection in no time at all

TheHungryJPEG - a site with way more than just fonts, they have a free section and weekly freebies include many fabulous fonts, all with a commercial use license

Creative Market - this site is a designers marketplace and they offer up free resources every week with at least 1 or 2 fonts each week, again with a commercial use license

Do you have a favorite place to source free fonts?  Share in the comments!

Shawnna

Read post

No comments